Man wanted in death of Whitman woman found in car at Logan Airport arrested in Kenya, DA says

BOSTON — A Lowell man wanted in connection with the death of a missing Whitman woman whose body was found in a car at a Logan Airport garage in November has been arrested in Kenya.

The family of 31-year-old Margaret Mbitu confirmed to Boston 25 that investigators notified them Tuesday morning that 40-year-old Kevin Kangethe was arrested in connection with her daughter’s murder.

“We are overjoyed by the news of the capture of Maggie’s murder suspect. The long hand of the law is finally catching up with Maggie’s murder suspect. We have confirmed with law enforcement and the DA of the arrest of Mr. Kangethe in Kenya and are waiting on the next step of extradition and eventual prosecution,” Mbitu’s family wrote in a statement. “We want to thank our friends, law enforcement here in the US and in Kenya, and the community at large for the efforts in the capture of Mr. Kangethe. We are confident that the truth will prevail and that justice for Maggie will be achieved.”

In a statement, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said, “I’m extremely grateful to the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the FBI, Kenyan law enforcement agencies, the Kenyan government, and the Massachusetts State Police for bringing the person accused of Margaret Mbitu’s brutal murder into custody. Their tremendous and untiring efforts will provide Margaret’s family and friends the opportunity to see Kevin Kangethe face justice for this terrible crime.”

Troopers responding to a report of a dead woman in a car at the airport’s Central Parking garage around 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2023, identified the victim as Mbitu, who had been reported missing by her family two days earlier, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Whitman police said that Mbitu was last seen leaving work in Halifax around 11 p.m. on Monday. At some point after that, investigators believe she was murdered.

Kangethe boarded a flight to Kenya after ditching Mbitu’s body at Central Parking, investigators said. A warrant charging Kangethe in Mbitu’s death was later obtained by state police.

Mbitu’s mother, Rose, told Boston 25 at the time that she believed Kangethe was dating her daughter but noted that she was trying to break things off with him.

On Tuesday morning, Rose told Boston 25, “I don’t have the strength to talk.”

Her family is leaning on their faith in the wake of their devastating loss. Pastor Leah Turner, a reverend at Grace and Faith Anglican Parish in Bridgewater, has guided the family in their faith, remembering the day Mbitu was found dead.

“My job is to help them on that road to forgiveness never saying it was ok it was never ok but helping them to forgive so they can let go of that anger and bitterness and be at peace as Maggie is,” said Turner.

Mbitu worked for the Brockton-based nonprofit BAMSI. A company spokesperson described her as an “amazing” employee.

The family says today’s arrest is a win, but not the end of their fight.

“IT’S A huge step towards getting justice for Maggie that is the next step justice for Maggie,” said her cousin James Ndungu. “God has not let us down so far so why would he now.”

Mbitu’s father Harun Mbitu, and Ndungu, say they’ll be in court when Kangethe returns making sure her legacy isn’t forgotten.

Kangethe is expected to have a hearing in Kenya before being extradited to Massachusetts on a murder charge.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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